Everybody hates Manly, including crooks

Amy Remeikis

When thieves broke into Merv Fern's Rockhampton Picture Framing and Wall Art business on Boxing Day, they stole almost every piece of sporting memorabilia they could carry except a signed and framed premiership Manly Sea Eagles jersey.

“And in the limited time they have had on that night, they have taken as much as they could and then to add insult to injury, they came back the next night, busted another window and took the rest. Except for the Manly one.”

Mr Fern, a Penrith supporter, said the thieves were forced to make their escape hole larger to fit another framed jersey through the glass but he was at a loss to explain why they left the 2011 winner's memorabilia behind.

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“It was framed in such an unique way, so maybe they might have thought 'oh, I am going to have trouble getting rid of this because it looks too good', you know what I mean?

“But I am not inside their head to know why they particularly left that one. Maybe they just didn't like them. That window is looking pretty bare, it was full of jerseys but now there is only one sitting there, the Manly one, and it is looking pretty lonely.”

The central Queensland small business owner estimates he is out of pocket about $10,000 for the damage and theft; his insurance company doesn't recognise the value of the player's signatures and will only cover the cost of the stolen clothing.

“And I had 2011 Bronco's jerseys that Darren Lockyer had signed, when he was playing with the rest of the team and you just can't get those any more,” he said, adding he was grateful none of his customer's work had been stolen or damaged in the break in.

A police spokeswoman said it appeared two men, wearing hats to conceal their identity, used a gas bottle to smash the front window of the Berserker store just after 1.30am on Boxing Day and helped themselves to about nine NRL jerseys.

Police believe the same two men returned about 24 hours later to steal all but one of the remaining jerseys.

“I haven't done a complete stock take yet, but I would say there are between 16 and 18 jerseys gone,” Mr Fern said.

“They are just going to flood the market. And the thieves would have to be complete imbeciles to think they can sell them on to some individual.

“But yeah, that Manly one does look pretty lonely sitting there in the window by itself. I guess the club will contact me now and ask me why it wasn't taken!”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.